Vision & Mission

Mission

Our primary mission is to move forward the frontiers of human knowledge and enrich and elevate the citizens of the state of Tennessee, the nation, and the world. As the preeminent research-based, land-grant university in the state, UT embodies the spirit of excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, outreach, and engagement attained by the nation’s finest public research institutions.

UT’s Carnegie Classification is “Research University” (very high research activity). Most undergraduates are full-time, and admission is selective with a fairly low transfer-in rate. Admission to graduate and professional programs is also competitive. Graduate offerings include master’s, doctoral, and professional programs that focus both on research and practice. Nationally ranked programs, as well as our partnerships with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, are among UT’s unique characteristics.

Vision

We embrace a three-part vision: Value creation, Original ideas, and Leadership.

Value creation through economic, social, and environmental development targeted to an increasingly global and multicultural world.

We lead an increasing number of academic and public service activities that involve and benefit the local community, the state of Tennessee, the United States, and ultimately the world. This continuing commitment to the public good through a variety of outreach activities is grounded in our tradition as a land-grant institution.

Our ability to create value is dependent on discovering new knowledge and generating new ideas and expressions. The complex concerns of the twenty-first century cannot be addressed with existing knowledge and systems. Our aim is a dramatic increase in these activities, requiring the interaction between committed, diverse faculty, staff, and students.

Leadership through the preparation of capable and ethical leaders.

UT’s diverse graduates have unique and enriched learning opportunities accruing from the university’s comprehensive mission. We expect a large portion of graduates will take their places as leaders in the state of Tennessee and beyond.

Top 25 Bound

Our journey is one with an ambitious goal—to join the ranks of the nation’s Top 25 public research universities. Learn more.

Values—The Volunteer Spirit

The following values support our mission and vision, and comprise our definition of the Volunteer Spirit.

While our strategic focus may evolve over time, these enduring principles continue to permeate who we are, what we do, and how we accomplish our goals.